MEDIA CLIPS
"GUS" MAKES SNOWBOARD DEMO TEAM
By Gary Gottlieb
The Deerfield Valley News
December 23, 1993
A few members of the National Ski Patrol System have become convinced of the benefits of snowboarding for patrolling, and Eric (Gus) Gustafson is one of them. At a recent NSPS meeting, 50 Regional Directors were treated to a demonstration by the NSPS Snowboard Demonstration Team. The brainchild of David Schutz, an 18 year veteran patroller who has been riding a snowboard for five years, the eight man team included Gus, a member of Mount Snow Rescue.
"NSPS has been dragging their heels on using snowboards as a tool for patrolling," said Gus, "so Schutz formed a team to show the Regional Directors that the snowboard is a useful tool in all forms of patrolling."
The reaction was overwhelming; a large percentage of the Directors who were skeptical at first commented that the only thing they needed to change to incorporate snowboards was the NSPS wording. The "victims" who rode in the sleds during the demonstration all agreed that the ride was smooth.
Gus was quick to point out that the goal is not to claim snowboards are superior, simply that they have their applications. "In some areas snowboards have advantages, in some skis have advantages, the snowboard is a useful tool," he commented.
The team consisted of eight patrolling shredders from five different eastern states. As the snowboarding population grows in general, so grows the enthusiasm among professionals. Of the 27,000 NSPS members, 100 are currently working on snowboards, and there are many more who want to.
Another goal of snowboarding patrollers is to improve lines of communication with the snowboarding population. "We try to get on the same level as the young kids, educate them and show them we're equals," said Gus. "A lot of the discussion at the meeting had to do with educating snowboarders who didn't grow up in an alpine environment, teaching them the rules of the road." When he is in his red jacket with the white cross on the back and on a snowboard, kids are more likely to stop and talk to him.
Gus began snowboarding last year thanks to his friend Tim Sternberg, a Burton rep. "I didn't think I'd fall in love with it, but I did. It was challenging and brought out exciting new elements. It was a natural transition to use it for work."
An eleven year veteran of Tuckerman Ravine, Gus isn't sure yet whether he'll shred or telemark at Tuckerman's this year. "I might try to do both. The bottom line is fun, and I still love all aspects of snow equipment; skis, teles and boards. I try to mix it up."
Originally from Clinton, Connecticut, Gus moved to the Deerfield Valley in 1978 and was a snowmaker for 4 years. After a year at Sugarbush, he returned to the area and patrolled for two years before moving to Solitude Ski Resort in Utah, where he was Ski Patrol Director for four years. Five years ago he returned to Mount Snow.
Gus is a big fan of snowboarding, and thinks more people should try it. "If anybody took a lesson they would find that they totally enjoy it," said Gus, "It's easier to get good on a snowboard than on skis, the learning curve is quicker."
Most importantly, Gus is breaking new ground; ten years from now snowboards will be as accepted on the mountain as skis that aren't made of wood or waterproof clothing-both radical concepts when they were first introduced. When that time comes, those who work and play on snowboards will have people like Gus to thank.
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